Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sinful and Sweet


Okay, I've got your attention now, don't I??? Mention sin and throw in a seductive picture of brownies exposed in all their pornographic glory ... well, I know that's all it takes to lure me into a post!

But now that you're paying attention, let me get on to what is actually a demure and charming notion: a Holiday Open House being hosted by Carol of the fabulously titled The Answer Is Chocolate.



Here is the invitation that Carol issued:

What better time to have a holiday themed link party than in the middle of Summer? It's never too early to get ready for the holidays, so I thought I'd do this once a month through September, then weekly! Please link up decor, cards, gifts you've made, recipes...anything that goes from Halloween through New Year's! I realize it's early yet so even if it's not for / from this year, link it up because a lot of us are new since last holiday season and who can't use a new inspiring idea?
Very well said! No matter how many traditions we may have, no matter how many tried-and-true recipes we may rely upon, no matter how many cute crafty things we (well, not we but all the rest of you who have a talent for it!) may love to make, there is always a need for refreshment and for inspiration and for updating.

Now, regular readers will know that I'll celebrate almost anything! Here is a list of just a few holidays -- secular, religious, and otherwise -- that I partake of:

January 25: Robbie Burns Day, in honor of Scotland's greatest poet

March 17: St. Paddy's Day, since I'm 1/4 Irish

June 16: Bloomsday, commemorating James Joyce's Ulysses

September 8 (this year, at least): Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year

Oh, the list goes on and on ... I even celebrated National Peanut Butter Cookie Day!

But for now, we're focusing on those Winter holidays. Frankly, though, brownies are perfect for birthdays, pic-a-nics, and barbecues in addition to either serving or gift-giving at Christmas. They're ridiculously easy to make, too, which makes them ideal for the chaotic and crazed holiday season.

And really, what better way is there to relax after a day of shopping or wrapping or travelling than to sit back and watch the snow fall with a brownie and a cup of cocoa??? Ah, it almost -- almost -- makes me long for cold weather ....


White Chocolate 'n' Cherry Brownies
1/2 cup butter
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
6 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons oil
2 eggs
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
3/4 cup unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 9"-square baking pan.

Place the butter and the unsweetened chocolate into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl; heat until melted, and stir to combine. Stir in remaining ingredients until very well blended. Pour into pan, then bake for 25-30 minutes until a tester comes out with a few crumbs attached. Cool completely before cutting.


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16 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brandy M. said...

These look to die for! Now following from Admirer Monday. Sorry it has taken so long for me to get back to you we had something come up. I look forward to seeing you on Admirer Monday tonight!

http://giveawayblogdom.blogspot.com

Steph @ Professors_Wife said...

You are my hero!!!! These look Delish!!!

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate said...

WANT NOW! Oh my chocolatey goodness these look delish! Thanks so much for linking up!!! I'm so glad that you did.

Team Chastain said...

What fun! And WHOA, those brownies look so flippin good I think I gained a pound or two while licking my monitor!

Heavenly Savings said...

Congrats!! You have been choosen for the #3 spot for Admirer Monday!

Krista @ Heavenly Savings

Rachel (Diary of a Recovering Chocoholic) said...

Those look so yummy!

lindalou said...

I love dried cherries in anything.

I came over from The Answer is Chocolate and I'm so glad I did. I love to find fellow Michigan Bloggers. I'll be following and visiting.

Robin said...

Again I ask: who eats all of this sinful food that you make????

lindalou said...

Thanks for the heads up about the MLFB. I've just submitted my info to join. Looking forward to meeting other Michigan Bloggers and food is one of my favorite things to talk about.

Anonymous said...

I deleted my earlier comment because it came off mean when I was trying to be funny, ugh. But yes, you got me sucked in with sinful and sweet and I love it! I linked up over at Carol's Christmas in July and I think it's a great idea. I have her button posted up over on my blog too.

What a yummy white chocolate brownie recipe you've share here...you keep getting better and better. Smiles

Haupi
http://hauplight.blogspot.com/

Yenta Mary said...

Oh no, Haupi, I thought it was cute! I'm looking forward to the continued link-ups (thank you for doing this, Carol!) to see what other goodies await ... :)

Robin and Michele, this time I ate not one brownie -- Jeremy didn't either. They were donated to a Habitat for Humanity home dedication that some friends of mine were attending. No calories this way!

Natasha in Oz said...

That looks like Christmas on a plate-yummy! I will definitely bookmark this and revisit this post in November/December!

Best wishes and happy week,
Natasha.

Unknown said...

These look so incredibly good...but then again, it has white chocolate in it, how can it be bad???

Rose said...

good way to get attention. it worked. the brownies look good , thanks.

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

Sounds Yummy!
Thank you for sharing!
Have a good day!
Leticia
www.msbinglesvintagechristmas.com


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